Romans 7:13–18 (ESV) —
13 Did that which is good, then, bring death to me? By no means! It was sin, producing death in me through what is good, in order that sin might be shown to be sin, and through the commandment might become sinful beyond measure. 14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. 15 For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. 16 Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. 17 So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. 18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.
NOTE: This struggle is the life we now live. We are free from slavery to sin, but still at times, deceived and caught up in sin. We know what is right to do. We know that the law is good. But it seems that the flesh is stronger than our desire to do the right thing. The Holy Spirit should be stronger than our flesh, but there is a disconnect somewhere in the degree to which we allow the Spirit to control us. I know some things are easier but many things are not. Sin is embedded in my flesh, and the Spirit is seeking to fill me more and more. It is a battle, and it will remain that way until the day I die or I am raptured. I wonder why God allows this battle. Why did he not give us a new body upon belief? Why must we live in two worlds? And why does it seem that many (if not most) Christians don't care? Why are they content to live two-faced lives? Why do they not struggle more?
PONDER:
- Do I even care that I have a struggle with sin?
- Have I given up (my battle with the flesh)?
PRAYER: Lord, I have few answers for this battle between my flesh and the Spirit. But, I will not give up. Help me to continue to live for you and be a witness of your power to others.
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